Tofu Hamburg Steak: Juicy Japanese-Style Burger

Tofu Hamburg Steak Directions

• Create Perfect Tofu Base
  Place 130g silken tofu in a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Add 1 cup breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly, allowing the breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture from the tofu. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the breadcrumbs are fully softened. This crucial step creates the light, moist texture that defines this dish.
• Add Meat And Seasonings
  Add 300g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mixture) to the tofu-breadcrumb mixture. Break one egg into the bowl, then add 1/2 crumbled consommé cube, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon each of black pepper and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the mixture becomes sticky and well-combined. The stickiness indicates the proteins are breaking down, which will help bind the patties.
• Incorporate Aromatic Elements
  Finely dice half a medium onion and add to the meat mixture. Mix until evenly distributed throughout. The fine dice ensures the onion cooks completely within the patty and adds moisture without creating large gaps that could cause the patty to fall apart.
• Shape With Proper Technique
  Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions. With moistened hands to prevent sticking, shape each portion into an oval patty about 2cm thick. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This depression prevents the patty from puffing up in the center during cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Cook To Perfect Doneness
  Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and place the patties in the pan without overcrowding. Cook until a golden-brown crust forms, about 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip. Cook another 2-3 minutes on the second side. The ideal internal temperature is 160°F (71°C) for food safety while maintaining juiciness.
• Steam For Juicy Texture
  After browning both sides, add 1/2 cup water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low and steam for 2-3 minutes. This gentle cooking method keeps the patties incredibly moist while ensuring they cook through completely.
• Create Flavorful Sauce
  While the patties rest, wipe the pan clean and add 4 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoons sake, and 2 teaspoons mirin. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until slightly reduced and thickened. Add 2 teaspoons butter and stir until melted and incorporated, creating a glossy, rich sauce.
• Serve With Elegance
  Place the Hamburg steaks on individual plates, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Traditional Japanese accompaniments include steamed rice and a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.